Newcastle United have made it clear that they want the former Bolton boss to succeed Glenn Roeder, who resigned on Sunday.

But Big Sam is in no rush to decide his future. And as long as Stuart Pearce's position at City remains uncertain, Allardyce is unlikely to pin his colours to any other job.

Blues boss Pearce is continuing to make plans for next season, but there has been a deafening silence from the board in terms of confirming that he will get a third season in charge.

Eight successive home games without a goal have piled the pressure on Pearce.

Alarm bells

A big drop in season ticket sales from this time last year - despite a price freeze and big cut in costs for juniors - has set boardroom alarm bells ringing.

However, they are unlikely to make a decision before the season ends at Spurs this weekend, especially as a four-way international battle for control of the club continues.

Newcastle, meanwhile, are hoping the presence at St James Park of top-class internationals such as Michael Owen, Kieron Dyer, Scott Parker, Damien Duff, Obafemi Martins and Shay Given will appeal to Allardyce's ambition.

But Allardyce has always maintained that his family will be deeply involved in any choice over a new job, and it would take an exceptional offer for him to uproot from his Bolton home.